Gemzar 'flu'

Has anybody experienced the Gemzar flu? I have read that it can cause flu-like symptoms, but am not sure what to expect. I had my second treatment last Wed, combined with Taxotere, and by Sunday I was feeling like I was coming down with something - some body aches, which could also be attributed to the Neulasta shot, swollen glands and sore throat, and feeling cold. This morning when I got up my temp was 100.8, and still not feeling all that great. If this is just a temporary thing from the Gemzar I can deal with it, but wondering if I should make a call to my doc.

I remember being told about the possibilty of that happening, but it isn't something I experienced while on Gemzar. I know that's not much help.

I'd probably call and with the doc about the fever, etc. did they give you a temperature threshold above which you should call?

Gemzar was very easy on me. I did not have these side effects. My hair thinned and I gained weight due to the steriods but that was about it. The cisplatin combo caused me nausea and other ailments.

Sorry you are having this. I too was given a fever threshhold to report at any time. Your doc will want to know.

I had Gemzar & Taxotere over the summer for a total of 6 treatments. My doc told me to call when I had a fever. Actually they told me to call anytime I had any concerns or questions, which was great.

I never had swollen glands or a sore throat along with a temp. I would call the doc in your case. Always better to be safe when on Chemo. I know that I have a tendency to tough things out, but chemo isn't the time to do that. Take whatever relief the doc's and nurses offer.

I also had Neulasta and would get bone pain about 48 hours after the injection. They called it "mild" but I had to take Vicodin for severals day, then I switched to extra strength Tylenol.

For my first few treatments the side effects weren't too bad. By the end of the series (6) of treatments I was taking Tylenol everyday. I had muscle and joint aches & pains continually. I walked very slowly and would get out of breath easily. I hated the stairs by that time.

The good news is that it wore off and about 2 months after my last chemo I was feeling much better. Now (5 months) I feel my old self again. Just have to get my hair to grow faster. <g>

Call your doctor if you have concerns. Don't worry about sounding like a worry wart. That's what they're there for.

Also pay attention to any infection like symptoms and let your doc know.

My best to you on your chemo and let us know how you're doing.

-Susan

I did give in and call my doctor today - he had scheduled a CBC for tomorrow but sent me in a day early. Also put me on Levaquin for a week, so hopefully that along with the tylennol will be all I need to deal with this. I really think it is a bad cold coming on and not anything do to with getting the chemo. I am sure I will hear from my doc tomorrow if the CB shows anything.